Palmas, Palmitas: Whole-Body Clapping Rhyme

We start from the traditional Spanish baby rhyme “Palmas, palmitas” (clap, little claps: figs, chestnuts, sugar and nougat, all for my little one) and give each line a whole-body movement. A classic hand-clapping game becomes a little dance for the classroom.

How to play

1. Sitting in a circle, the teacher says the rhyme in Spanish with claps, explains what it means and asks if anyone knows a similar clapping rhyme from home (2 min).
2. Standing, give each line a move: “palmas, palmitas” (clap overhead), “higos” (figs: squat to pick them off the floor), “castañitas” (chestnuts: little hops) (2 min).
3. Keep going: “azúcar y turrón” (sugar and nougat: spin in place waving hands) and “para mi niño son” (all for my little one: hug yourself) (2 min).
4. Do the whole rhyme with all the moves, first slowly, then faster (2 min).
5. In pairs facing each other, clap hands on “palmas, palmitas” and do the rest together, ending with a hug if both want one (2 min).

Rules

• We all chant together at the same time.
• Hops and spins stay in your own spot.
• Partner hugs only if both want one; otherwise, high-five.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: do it seated, swapping squats and hops for touching the feet and bouncing in the chair.
• Hearing impairment: the teacher makes big gestures and keeps the beat with easy-to-see claps.
• Autism: if the child dislikes touch, partners clap in the air without touching.

Learning goals

• Learn and enjoy a traditional children's rhyme.
• Match whole-body movements to the rhythm of the words.
• Coordinate movements with a partner.

Teacher tip

Many Spanish-speaking families sing this rhyme to babies: invite children to ask at home and to share other clapping rhymes. If you don't speak Spanish, you can chant the English meaning to the same beat.

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